Page 1 of 4 ARCOLA BOARD OF EDUCATION ... AWS
ARCOLA BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 11, 2017 7:00 P.M.
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of Arcola Community Unit District #306 Arcola, Illinois was called to order in the Media Center at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 for the purpose of regular business. Vice-President Crane called the meeting to order. The following members answered roll call: Crane, Stout, Shonkwiler, Thieman, Rothrock and Arrol. Others present were: Tom Mulligan, Jennifer Frichtl, Lisa Sigrist, Angie Gentry, Cathy Brimner, David Porter, Eric Butler, Nick Lindsey, Ashlyn Hudson, Sirena Alexander, Sherri Watson, Catrina LaDew, Annie Lopez, Stephanee Griffith, Heather Cassady, Chelsea Clark, Cassie McMillan, Toni Fishel and Robin Yockey. Dr. Mulligan welcomed the new staff to the meeting. Each employee took turns to briefly tell the board members about themselves. Afterwards the board members and new staff spent a few minutes mingling and meeting one another. Vice-President Crane recognized the visitors and asked for public comment. There was none. There were no pending FOIA requests. Robin Yockey, District Auditor, addressed the Board and presented them with the audit report for the 2016-2017 school year. The state financial profile indicates that the district is at recognition status, which is the highest status possible, with a score of 4.0. The auditor reported that this is very good when you consider the district did not receive several categorical payments. Robin was happy to report that there were no audit findings this year. There were a few management comments that have already been addressed. Robin commended Dr. Mulligan and the Board for being very diligent with the district’s funds. Motion by Arrol, seconded by Rothrock, to approve the regular meeting minutes and closed session minutes from September 13, 2017, the Policy Committee meeting minutes from September 28, 2017 and the Finance Committee meeting minutes from October 4, 2017. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as of September 30, 2017 as submitted. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Stout, to approve the payment of bills as submitted in the amount of $149,626.50. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Stout, to approve the payment of payroll in the amount of
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$384,661.14. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Business: Motion by Stout, seconded by Thieman, to approve the 2017 school district annual audit and annual financial statements. Dr. Mulligan commended Jenny Frichtl, district business manager for her role in the positive audit. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Arrol, seconded by Thieman, to approve the first reading of school board policies from the PRESS Packet, July 2017. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the agreement with Apptegy for the development of a new district website, app, and notification system at a price of $24,900. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the Arcola School District Five-Year Strategic Objectives/Goals and Improvement Plan for 2017-2018. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Thieman, to approve field trips for the FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference at SIU and the FFA National Conference in Indianapolis. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Administrative Team Reports ~~Mrs. Gentry, Principal, Arcola Elementary – The elementary staff and students enjoyed a performance by the J-Line Dance Crew out of New York at the Fall Kick-Off Assembly. In addition to being entertaining, the performers addressed topics such as bullying, showing respect and overcoming challenges. A PreK Parent Education Night was held with PreK Coach Linda Housewright presenting. She talked about developing young minds. Several committees have been meeting and discussing plans and events for throughout the school year. Mr. Alexander, a former school administrator and military veteran, very generously offered to paint a map of the United States on the blacktop out back, free of charge. ~~Mrs. Sigrist, Principal, Arcola Jr/Sr High – Homecoming festivities went well and the rain stayed away. Mr. Fore and Mr. Reel, along with numerous other staff and students, put in a lot of work to make the week a success. Mr. Reel took his students to the Douglas County Constitution Bowl in Arthur to celebrate Constitution Week. Teacher Institute Day took place on October 6th. Feedback from the teachers indicate they really enjoyed the in-house sessions prepared by staff and several felt it was one of the most beneficial professional development days they’ve had. ~~Mrs. Brimner, Director of Special Services – Special Services is still continuing to track services provided to students. RtI numbers have increased after the fall benchmark testing. Adding another staff member may be necessary to provide enough services now needed. Beckie Headrick took several students to the Special Olympics Family Fun Day at Lake Land College. Despite being very hot that day, everyone stayed hydrated and had a great time.
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~~Dr. Mulligan, Superintendent – A new agriculture grant has become available this year. It would provide for an Ag Instructor to have a 240-day contract which would allow the teacher to expand the program and build relationships in the community. The district would have to pay half of the additional contract days and the grant would cover the other half of the additional cost. The Preschool for All competitive grant will be opening soon. This grant is done every ten years and secures the district’s preschool program. Dr. Mulligan reported the district will be receiving an additional $39,000 in transportation funds with the new proration.
Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Thieman, to enter executive session at 8:07 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Shonkwiler, to return to regular session at 8:54 p.m. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Rothrock, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Jack Spencer as Volunteer High School Cheer Coach, pending completion of IHSA Required Training. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Arrol, seconded by Stout, to approve the employment of Alex Johns as FFA Advisor. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Rothrock, to approve the employment of Corey Roberts as High School Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Jim Crane as Volunteer High School Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach. Roll call vote: Crane, abstained; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, nay; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 4 ayes. 1 nays. 1 abstained. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Steve Joergens as Full-Time Evening Custodian. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Amanda Brian as PartTime Evening Custodian. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Stout, to approve the resignations of Griffin Strode as Ag Teacher and FFA Sponsor. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
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Announcements: None
Motion by Thieman, seconded by Shonkwiler, to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
___________________________ President
___________________________ Secretary
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A regular meeting of the Board of Education of Arcola Community Unit District #306 Arcola, Illinois was called to order in the Media Center at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 for the purpose of regular business. Vice-President Crane called the meeting to order. The following members answered roll call: Crane, Stout, Shonkwiler, Thieman, Rothrock and Arrol. Others present were: Tom Mulligan, Jennifer Frichtl, Lisa Sigrist, Angie Gentry, Cathy Brimner, David Porter, Eric Butler, Nick Lindsey, Ashlyn Hudson, Sirena Alexander, Sherri Watson, Catrina LaDew, Annie Lopez, Stephanee Griffith, Heather Cassady, Chelsea Clark, Cassie McMillan, Toni Fishel and Robin Yockey. Dr. Mulligan welcomed the new staff to the meeting. Each employee took turns to briefly tell the board members about themselves. Afterwards the board members and new staff spent a few minutes mingling and meeting one another. Vice-President Crane recognized the visitors and asked for public comment. There was none. There were no pending FOIA requests. Robin Yockey, District Auditor, addressed the Board and presented them with the audit report for the 2016-2017 school year. The state financial profile indicates that the district is at recognition status, which is the highest status possible, with a score of 4.0. The auditor reported that this is very good when you consider the district did not receive several categorical payments. Robin was happy to report that there were no audit findings this year. There were a few management comments that have already been addressed. Robin commended Dr. Mulligan and the Board for being very diligent with the district’s funds. Motion by Arrol, seconded by Rothrock, to approve the regular meeting minutes and closed session minutes from September 13, 2017, the Policy Committee meeting minutes from September 28, 2017 and the Finance Committee meeting minutes from October 4, 2017. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as of September 30, 2017 as submitted. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Stout, to approve the payment of bills as submitted in the amount of $149,626.50. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Stout, to approve the payment of payroll in the amount of
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$384,661.14. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Business: Motion by Stout, seconded by Thieman, to approve the 2017 school district annual audit and annual financial statements. Dr. Mulligan commended Jenny Frichtl, district business manager for her role in the positive audit. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Arrol, seconded by Thieman, to approve the first reading of school board policies from the PRESS Packet, July 2017. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the agreement with Apptegy for the development of a new district website, app, and notification system at a price of $24,900. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the Arcola School District Five-Year Strategic Objectives/Goals and Improvement Plan for 2017-2018. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Thieman, to approve field trips for the FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference at SIU and the FFA National Conference in Indianapolis. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Administrative Team Reports ~~Mrs. Gentry, Principal, Arcola Elementary – The elementary staff and students enjoyed a performance by the J-Line Dance Crew out of New York at the Fall Kick-Off Assembly. In addition to being entertaining, the performers addressed topics such as bullying, showing respect and overcoming challenges. A PreK Parent Education Night was held with PreK Coach Linda Housewright presenting. She talked about developing young minds. Several committees have been meeting and discussing plans and events for throughout the school year. Mr. Alexander, a former school administrator and military veteran, very generously offered to paint a map of the United States on the blacktop out back, free of charge. ~~Mrs. Sigrist, Principal, Arcola Jr/Sr High – Homecoming festivities went well and the rain stayed away. Mr. Fore and Mr. Reel, along with numerous other staff and students, put in a lot of work to make the week a success. Mr. Reel took his students to the Douglas County Constitution Bowl in Arthur to celebrate Constitution Week. Teacher Institute Day took place on October 6th. Feedback from the teachers indicate they really enjoyed the in-house sessions prepared by staff and several felt it was one of the most beneficial professional development days they’ve had. ~~Mrs. Brimner, Director of Special Services – Special Services is still continuing to track services provided to students. RtI numbers have increased after the fall benchmark testing. Adding another staff member may be necessary to provide enough services now needed. Beckie Headrick took several students to the Special Olympics Family Fun Day at Lake Land College. Despite being very hot that day, everyone stayed hydrated and had a great time.
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~~Dr. Mulligan, Superintendent – A new agriculture grant has become available this year. It would provide for an Ag Instructor to have a 240-day contract which would allow the teacher to expand the program and build relationships in the community. The district would have to pay half of the additional contract days and the grant would cover the other half of the additional cost. The Preschool for All competitive grant will be opening soon. This grant is done every ten years and secures the district’s preschool program. Dr. Mulligan reported the district will be receiving an additional $39,000 in transportation funds with the new proration.
Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Thieman, to enter executive session at 8:07 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Shonkwiler, to return to regular session at 8:54 p.m. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Rothrock, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Jack Spencer as Volunteer High School Cheer Coach, pending completion of IHSA Required Training. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Arrol, seconded by Stout, to approve the employment of Alex Johns as FFA Advisor. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Rothrock, to approve the employment of Corey Roberts as High School Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Jim Crane as Volunteer High School Boys’ Basketball Assistant Coach. Roll call vote: Crane, abstained; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, nay; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 4 ayes. 1 nays. 1 abstained. Motion carried. Motion by Stout, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Steve Joergens as Full-Time Evening Custodian. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Thieman, to approve the employment of Amanda Brian as PartTime Evening Custodian. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried. Motion by Thieman, seconded by Stout, to approve the resignations of Griffin Strode as Ag Teacher and FFA Sponsor. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
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Announcements: None
Motion by Thieman, seconded by Shonkwiler, to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Thieman, aye; Rothrock, aye; Arrol, aye. 6 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
___________________________ President
___________________________ Secretary
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